Stroller Blanket

ABSTRACT

A blanket for covering, warming and protecting a child seated in a stroller from harmful ultra-violet rays and other weather elements. The blanket includes a top edge and a bottom edge having a material portion therebetween for covering the child&#39;s torso and legs thereunder. A first fastening means integrally couples to the first edge of the material portion of the blanket and a second fastening means integrally couples to the second edge of the material portion of the blanket.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent applicationSer. No. 61/796,586 filed on Nov. 15, 2012 in the United States Patentand Trademark Office.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to blankets and more particularly to ablanket having an attachable means for securing to a stroller, capableof conveniently shading the lower extremities of a child from sunexposure and other weather elements.

2. Description of the Related Art

Millions of mothers rely upon strollers for walking and transportingtheir children. Currently, shades integrated within a stroller areheavily utilized to shield a child's head from sun exposure and otherweather elements like rain, wind and snow. However, these shades lackproper protection. Improved shades have been designed to cover largerareas around the child's head and upper body, but proper protection tothe torso and legs still lacks. Furthermore, covers, in addition to theshade, are utilized to completely encase the child when raining forprohibiting the child from becoming wet. Blankets are also utilized toprotect the child's lower extremities but rarely stay in place and areuseless in the rain because they get wet. Despite all the differentshades, covers and blankets available, a properly designed blanket thatcovers the lower extremities and protects against sun exposure and theelements is still not available.

Several attempts have been made to design such blankets remedying theaforementioned disadvantages, but each has disadvantages of their ownincluding U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,766 to Benway, U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,724 toBarnes, U.S. Pat. No. 7,431,395 to Morgan and U.S. Publication No.2008/0222809 to Okell.

As such, while this art may be suitable for the particular purposeemployed, or for general use, it would not be as suitable for thepurposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.

The present invention seeks to solve the aforementioned problem, byproviding a removable means for protecting a child's lower extremitiesfrom sun exposure and weather elements

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide ablanket with the ability to removably secure quickly to any desiredstroller for covering the lower extremities.

Specifically, the present invention includes an SPF blanket thatremovably couples with a stroller. The blanket includes a fasteningmeans designed to secure the top and bottom of the blanket in properposition over the lower extremities of the child.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a blanket isdisclosed for covering a child seated in a stroller. The stroller has aseat, wheels and frame, wherein the frame includes a middle portionproximate the seat and a lower portion proximate the wheels. The blanketincludes a material portion including a top edge and a bottom edge forcovering the child's torso and legs thereunder. The blanket includes afirst fastening means integrally coupled to the first edge of thematerial portion for attaching the blanket to the middle portion of theframe of the stroller. The blanket includes a second fastening meansintegrally coupled to the second edge of the material portion forattaching the blanket to the lower portion of the frame of the strollerproximate to the wheels. The first and second fastening means prohibitthe blanket from falling off the child while traveling in the strollerand inhibit the blanket from being tangled in the wheels of thestroller.

The material portion is made from the group consisting of rayon, nylon,polyester, or spandex. The first fastening means includes a pair ofelongated straps having adjustable fastening buckles thereto for easilyattaching to and detaching from the stroller. Alternatively, the firstfastening means includes a pair of elongated straps having fasteningribbons having hook and loop fasteners attached thereto for easilyattaching to and detaching from the stroller. Alternatively, the firstfastening means includes at least one elongated strap having a pluralityof snaps easily attaching to and detaching from the stroller.

The second fastening means includes a pair of elongated straps havingadjustable fastening buckles thereto for easily attaching to anddetaching from the stroller. Alternatively, the second fastening meansincludes a pair of elongated straps having fastening ribbons having hookand loop fasteners attached thereto for easily attaching to anddetaching from the stroller. Alternatively, the second fastening meansincludes at least one elongated strap having a plurality of snaps easilyattaching to and detaching from the stroller.

The top or bottom edge may include a gripping portion.

In accordance with an additional embodiment a blanket is disclosed forcovering a child seated in a stroller having a seat, wheels and frame,wherein the frame includes a middle portion proximate the seat and alower portion proximate the wheels. The blanket includes an ultra-violetprotective material portion including a top edge and a bottom edge forcovering the child's torso and legs thereunder. The blanket includes afirst adjustable fastening means including a pair of elongated straps,integrally coupled to the first edge of the material portion, for easilyattaching to and detaching from the middle portion of the frame of thestroller. The blanket includes a second adjustable fastening meansincluding a pair of elongated straps, integrally coupled to the secondedge of the material portion, for easily attaching to and detaching fromthe lower portion of the frame of the stroller proximate to the wheels.The first and second fastening means prohibits the blanket from fallingoff the child while traveling in the stroller and inhibit the blanketfrom being tangled in the wheels of the stroller.

The pair of elongated straps of the first fastening means has adjustablefastening buckles thereto for easily attaching to and detaching from thestroller. Alternatively, the pair of elongated straps of the firstfastening means has fastening ribbons having hook and loop fastenersattached thereto for easily attaching to and detaching from thestroller. Alternatively, the pair of elongated straps of the firstfastening means has snaps thereto for easily attaching to and detachingfrom the stroller.

The pair of elongated straps of the second fastening means hasadjustable fastening buckles thereto for easily attaching to anddetaching from the stroller. Alternatively, the pair of elongated strapsof the second fastening means has fastening ribbons having hook and loopfasteners attached thereto for easily attaching to and detaching fromthe stroller. Alternatively, the pair of elongated straps of the secondfastening means has snaps thereto for easily attaching to and detachingfrom the stroller.

The top or bottom edge may include a gripping portion.

In accordance with an additional embodiment a blanket is disclosed forcovering a child seated in a stroller. The stroller has a seat, wheelsand frame. The frame includes a middle portion proximate the seat and alower portion proximate the wheels. The blanket includes an ultra-violetprotective material portion including a top edge and a bottom edge forcovering the child's torso and legs thereunder. The blanket includes afirst fastening means including a pair of elongated straps having agripping portion, integrally coupled to the first edge of the materialportion, having adjustable fastening buckles thereto for easilyattaching to and detaching from the middle portion of the frame of thestroller. The blanket includes a second fastening means including atleast one elongated strap having a gripping portion, integrally coupledto the second edge of the material portion. The second fastening meanshaving a plurality of snaps coupled thereto for easily attaching to anddetaching from the lower portion of the frame of the stroller proximateto the wheels. The first and second fastening means prohibit the blanketfrom falling off the child while traveling in the stroller and inhibitthe blanket from being tangled in the wheels of the stroller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

To these and to such other objects that may hereinafter appear, thepresent invention relates to a stroller blanket as described in detailin the following specification, taken together with the accompanyingdrawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the stroller blanket of the presentinvention attached to the stroller;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the stroller blanket;

FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof;

FIG. 4 is bottom view thereof; and

FIG. 5 is a right view thereof.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention maybe embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of theinvention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a specially designed andmanufactured stroller blanket. In its broadest context, illustrated inFIG. 1, the stroller blanket 10 is comprised of a substantiallyrectangular ultra-violet blocking rays material portion 12, secured tothe stroller 20 by at least one fastening means 40. The stroller 30includes a seat 32 for accepting the child therein and a frame 34positioned adjacent the seat 32. The frame 34 includes a middle portion34A proximate the seat and a lower portion 34B proximate the wheels 36.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the material portion 12 of the blanket 10includes an inside and outside surface 14, 16 and an upper and lower end18, 20. The upper end 18 includes a top edge 22 and the lower end 20includes a bottom edge 24. Each edge 22, 24 includes a fastening means40 for removably coupling the blanket to the stroller during use.Preferably, a first fastening means 40A couples to the top edge 22 ofthe material portion 12 of the blanket 10, while a second fasteningmeans 40B couples to the bottom edge 24 of the material portion 12 ofthe blanket 10. Preferably, the first fastening means 40A includes apair of elongated straps 42 coupled to the top edge 22 of the blanket.The pair of straps 42 wrap around the frame 34 of the stroller andadjustably secure thereabout by a buckle 44. Alternate fastenersincluding fastening ribbons, an elastic band, clip, snap, hook and loopfastener, or other like fastening mechanism are contemplated andincluded herein.

In the preferred embodiment, the pair of elongated straps 42 coupled tothe top edge 22 of the blanket are preferably strips of material eachhaving a distal end 42A. One distal end includes a female buckle 46 andthe other distal end includes a male buckle 48. The male and femalebuckles 48, 46 fastener together and are adjustable in order toadjustable secure the top edge 22 of the blanket 10 around the frame 34of the stroller 10 proximate the seat 32 such that the blanketsubstantially covers the torso and legs of the child.

In the preferred embodiment, the second fastening means 40B couples tothe bottom edge 24 of the material portion 12 of the blanket 10 andincludes one elongated strap 50 having a plurality of spaced apart malesnaps 52 thereon. The bottom edge 24 of the outside surface 16 of thematerial portion 12 of the blanket 10 includes a plurality of spacedapart female snaps 54. With the blanket 10 in position covering the legsof the child while in the seat 34 of the stroller, the elongated strap50 at the bottom edge 24 of the blanket 10 wraps around the frame of thestroller proximate the wheels 36. Specifically, the male snaps 52 of theelongated strap 50 securely fasten to at least one of the plurality offemale snaps 54 along the bottom edge 24 of the outside surface 16 ofthe blanket 10, for securely holding the lower end 20 of the blanket 10in position. Alternate fasteners including fastening ribbons, an elasticband, clip, buckle, hook and loop fastener, or other like fasteningmechanism are contemplated and included herein.

Preferably, the inside portion 16 of the lower end 20 of the blanket 10and strap 50 includes an elongated strip of gripping material 60 forfurther aiding the lower end 20 of the material portion 12 of theblanket 10 in staying in secure position covering the child. Alternateembodiments may utilize gripping material along the inside surface ofthe upper end of the material portion of the blanket or elsewhere alongthe material portion as desired.

In alternate embodiments, only the upper end 18 of the material portionof the blanket may include a fastening means for simply securing onlythe top of the blanket to the stroller.

The material portion may be comprised of material from the groupconsisting of fabric, leather, wool, nylon, rayon, linen, and which hasattributes that may include stretching, bending, blocking ultra violaterays and all other harmful rays, water resilient, and waterproof. Allother materials and attributes are contemplated and considered avariation within the scope of the present invention.

In use, a mother secures the blanket to the stroller for covering theirchild's lower extremities. After the child is seated in the stroller andbuckled in, the straps along the top edge are secured around the frameof the stroller and fastened together by the buckle. The materialportion is then arranged over the lower extremities of the child, suchthat the child is blocked from harmful sun exposure or other weatherelements. The upper end of the material portion of the blanket is thensecured above the bottom of the frame of the stroller by wrapping thestrap therearound and securing thereto by means of the snaps.

In conclusion, herein is presented a stroller blanket having a fasteningmechanism. The invention is illustrated by example in the drawingfigures, and throughout the written description. It should be understoodthat numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventiveconcept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the presentinvention. While only a limited number of preferred embodiments of thepresent invention have been disclosed for purposes of illustration, itis obvious that many modifications and variations could be made thereto.It is intended to cover all of those modifications and variations, whichfall within the scope of the present invention as defined by thefollowing claims

I claim:
 1. A blanket for covering a child seated in a stroller having aseat, wheels and frame, wherein the frame includes a middle portionproximate said seat and a lower portion proximate said wheels, theblanket comprising: a material portion including a top edge and a bottomedge for covering the child's torso and legs thereunder; a firstfastening means integrally coupled to said first edge of said materialportion for attaching the blanket to said middle portion of said frameof said stroller; and a second fastening means integrally coupled tosaid second edge of said material portion for attaching the blanket tosaid lower portion of said frame of said stroller proximate to saidwheels, wherein said first and second fastening means prohibit saidblanket from falling off the child while traveling in said stroller andinhibit said blanket from being tangled in the wheels of said stroller.2. The blanket of claim 1 wherein the material portion is made from thegroup consisting of rayon, nylon, polyester, or spandex.
 3. The blanketof claim 1 wherein the first fastening means comprises a pair ofelongated straps having adjustable fastening buckles thereto for easilyattaching to and detaching from said stroller.
 4. The blanket of claim 1wherein the first fastening means comprises a pair of elongated strapshaving fastening ribbons having hook and loop fasteners attached theretofor easily attaching to and detaching from said stroller.
 5. The blanketof claim 1 wherein the first fastening means comprises at least oneelongated strap having a plurality of snaps easily attaching to anddetaching from said stroller.
 6. The blanket of claim 1 wherein thesecond fastening means comprises a pair of elongated straps havingadjustable fastening buckles thereto for easily attaching to anddetaching from said stroller.
 7. The blanket of claim 1 wherein thesecond fastening means comprises a pair of elongated straps havingfastening ribbons having hook and loop fasteners attached thereto foreasily attaching to and detaching from said stroller.
 8. The blanket ofclaim 1 wherein the second fastening means comprises at least oneelongated strap having a plurality of snaps easily attaching to anddetaching from said stroller.
 9. The blanket of claim 1 wherein the topedge comprises a gripping portion.
 10. The blanket of claim 1 whereinthe bottom edge comprises a gripping portion.
 11. A blanket for coveringa child seated in a stroller having a seat, wheels and frame, whereinthe frame includes a middle portion proximate said seat and a lowerportion proximate said wheels, the blanket comprising: an ultra-violetprotective material portion including a top edge and a bottom edge forcovering the child's torso and legs thereunder; a first adjustablefastening means including a pair of elongated straps, integrally coupledto said first edge of said material portion, for easily attaching to anddetaching from said middle portion of said frame of said stroller; and asecond adjustable fastening means including a pair of elongated straps,integrally coupled to said second edge of said material portion, foreasily attaching to and detaching from said lower portion of said frameof said stroller proximate to said wheels, wherein said first and secondfastening means prohibit said blanket from falling off the child whiletraveling in said stroller and inhibit said blanket from being tangledin the wheels of said stroller.
 12. The blanket of claim 11 wherein thepair of elongated straps of the first fastening means has adjustablefastening buckles thereto for easily attaching to and detaching fromsaid stroller.
 13. The blanket of claim 11 wherein the pair of elongatedstraps of the first fastening means has fastening ribbons having hookand loop fasteners attached thereto for easily attaching to anddetaching from said stroller.
 14. The blanket of claim 11 wherein thepair of elongated straps of the first fastening means has snaps theretofor easily attaching to and detaching from said stroller.
 15. Theblanket of claim 11 wherein the pair of elongated straps of the secondfastening means has adjustable fastening buckles thereto for easilyattaching to and detaching from said stroller.
 16. The blanket of claim11 wherein the pair of elongated straps of the second fastening meanshas fastening ribbons having hook and loop fasteners attached theretofor easily attaching to and detaching from said stroller.
 17. Theblanket of claim 11 wherein the pair of elongated straps of the secondfastening means has snaps thereto for easily attaching to and detachingfrom said stroller.
 18. The blanket of claim 11 wherein the top edgecomprises a gripping portion.
 19. The blanket of claim 11 wherein thebottom edge comprises a gripping portion.
 20. A blanket for covering achild seated in a stroller having a seat, wheels and frame, wherein theframe includes a middle portion proximate said seat and a lower portionproximate said wheels, the blanket comprising: an ultra-violetprotective material portion including a top edge and a bottom edge forcovering the child's torso and legs thereunder; a first fastening meansincluding a pair of elongated straps having a gripping portion,integrally coupled to said first edge of said material portion, havingadjustable fastening buckles thereto for easily attaching to anddetaching from said middle portion of said frame of said stroller; and asecond fastening means including at least one elongated strap having agripping portion, integrally coupled to said second edge of saidmaterial portion, having a plurality of snaps coupled thereto for easilyattaching to and detaching from said lower portion of said frame of saidstroller proximate to said wheels, wherein said first and secondfastening means prohibit said blanket from falling off the child whiletraveling in said stroller and inhibit said blanket from being tangledin the wheels of said stroller.